Call of Heroes 3D Blu-ray (2016) [Region A Locked]

[DooK]

The story and acting was excellent. It's nothing new but for a periodic action movie that has Lau Ching-Wan, Liu Kai-Chi (RIP), and Philip Keung -- HK actors associated with contemporary movies -- was refreshing to see. Great acting from them, and good support by second lead actor Eddie Peng -- enjoyed his quirky character alot, both his funny scenes and when he went down in fight scenes.

However, the movie has flaws. BIG ones. My issues was Louis Koo, and the action scenes. Koo overacts in a way that feels like he took the same acting style of a character from a completely different movie and just went along with the vibe. Amusing and embarrassing to watch. Then you have the action scenes... There's nothing wrong with the actual action choreography, wonderfully staged by veteran HK action director Sammo Hung, but a majority of them are CGI-infested, and involve a bit too much wirework (not the flying way but movements that are wire-assisted) for my taste. Not a good sign. The action scenes that were authentic was spot on (Wu Jing vs Guardians, Sammy Hung's double tongfas in action) but otherwise it was pure laziness. CGI was minimal a decade ago (the 2000s) but has since increased. Film technology advances which in turn leads to real physicality from the performers no longer being prioritized. That's how the 2010s treated many HK action movies, and continues to do so nowadays.

Overall, I think the movie is above-average and still manages to entertain thanks to Benny Chan's direction, and the acting and onscreen charisma of Lau Ching-Wan.